Main Entry: phos·phate

Pronunciation: \ˈfäs-ˌfāt\

Function: noun

Etymology: French, from acide phosphorique phosphoric acid

Date: 1788

1 a (1) : a salt or ester of a phosphoric acid (2) : the trivalent anion PO₄³⁻ derived from phosphoric acid H₃PO₄ b : an organic compound of phosphoric acid in which the acid group is bound to nitrogen or a carboxyl group in a way that permits useful energy to be released (as in metabolism)
2 : an effervescent drink of carbonated water with a small amount of phosphoric acid flavored with fruit syrup
3 : a phosphatic material used for fertilizers